asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether the report on the establishment of a free port in Cork Harbour, sent by the Cork Harbour Commissioners to his Department in January, 1947, has been considered by the Government; and, if so, if he will inform the House of the result of such consideration.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free Port in Cork Harbour.
A memorandum on the establishment of a free port which was prepared by a special committee of the Cork Harbour Board and submitted to my Department in January, 1947, was examined at that time. The restoration of harbour works after the war and the improvement of facilities had to be given priority. It was also desired to see what the experience would be in connection with the customs-free airport established at Shannon in 1947. The commitments for harbour works are already considerable and there are still a number of applications under consideration. In the circumstances, it has not been possible up to the present to examine further the question of a free seaport.